<YAMATO Lab.> 'Shibori-zome - Memories of a Thousand Years' Special Exhibition to be held in Kagurazaka, Tokyo

YAMATO Lab., a project by Yamato Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Takayuki Yajima), will hold a special exhibition titled 'Shibori-zome - Memories of a Thousand Years: The Twinkle of Ridges Tied Out' from April 29 (Wed) to May 6 (Wed), 2026, at the atelier gallery 'YAMATO Lab. TOKYO' in Kagurazaka.

■ Special Exhibition Focusing on 'Shibori-zome,' a Thousand-Year-Old Handcraft

With the cooperation of artisans from the 'Arimatsu/Narumi district' in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, who produce Shibori yukata alongside Yamato, this exhibition will deliver the history of Shibori-zome, the background of its production, and the voices of the creators.

Tying, dyeing, and untying the cloth—the expressions born from this process are unique, with no two pieces being the same. They naturally embody the creator's touch, the local wisdom, and the accumulated time. The subtle fluctuations unique to handwork gently resonate with each person's time.

Experience the joy of feeling the seasons and wearing handcrafts. We invite you to experience the act of connecting values born through human hands and techniques nurtured over time to the modern age.

■ First 'Shibori Yukata' Joint Ordering Event Featuring All Yamato Brands

During the exhibition, the gallery's first floor will host an ordering event where you can wear the charm of 'Shibori-zome.'

'Shibori yukata' usually developed across Yamato's various brands and stores will be specially gathered for this event. This is the first attempt to bring together items from four brands with different concepts: 'Kimono Yamato,' 'KIMONO ARCH,' 'Y. & SONS,' and 'THE YARD.'

It will be a valuable opportunity to compare approximately 40 items, including accessories, ranging from traditional designs to modern approaches, to choose your own unique piece.

At the ordering event, we will tailor the chosen fabric and deliver it to your home around mid-June. In addition to the custom items, we also have 'Shibori yukata' and 'accessories' available for immediate purchase, so please feel free to drop by.

■ What is 'Shibori-zome'?

Shibori-zome (tie-dyeing) is one of the dyeing techniques practiced worldwide since ancient times. In Japan, advanced dyeing techniques had already been introduced from China by the Nara period. The Shosoin at Todaiji Temple, which stores important items from the Nara and Heian periods, also preserves textiles using 'Koketsu' (Shibori-zome).

Various patterns can be expressed by how the cloth is tied, sewn, and pleated. In the Arimatsu-Narumi district, it is said that there are over 100 types of 'Kukuri' (tying), and about 70 types of techniques are still passed down today.

In 1992, the 1st International Shibori Symposium was held in Nagoya with participants from 20 countries. International efforts are also being made to connect Shibori culture to the future.

■ EVENT INFORMATION

Name: 'Shibori-zome — Thousand-Year Handcraft Inhabiting Fabric from Fingertips —'
Date: April 29 (Wed) – May 6 (Wed), 2026
Time: 13:00 – 19:00
Venue: YAMATO Lab. TOKYO 2F Gallery Space
Address: 3-2 Akagi-motomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0817

*During the period, in addition to 'Shibori-zome' yukatas and items from the four brands, you can also see previously developed items such as the 'SUKAJAN KIMONO' collaboration with Tailor Toyo, vintage remake series, and the 'Yado-tsunagi' and 'Ribbon-tsunagi' series.

For details, please check YAMATO Lab. Instagram or the official page.
https://www.kimono-yamato.co.jp/yamatolab/
Instagram: @yamato.lab

■ ABOUT YAMATO Lab.

YAMATO Lab. is a project for 'Yamato,' a kimono specialist founded in 1917, to continue taking on challenges.

Launched in the fall of 2023 with designer Keisuke Kanda of 'keisuke kanda' as creative director, it is a place that explores Japanese culture while valuing the history and stories passed down, creating possibilities from new perspectives. By collecting, recording, and disseminating interesting Japanese things from its own perspective while facing the techniques of artisans in production areas, it aims to deliver the 'charm' and 'new possibilities' of costumes and culture.

From 2026, special exhibitions started at the atelier gallery 'YAMATO Lab. TOKYO' in Kagurazaka.